Union Examines Response to Challenges Presented by Changing Economy (5/10/07)

RWDSU Executive Board discusses how worker training and education can help working people cope with the global economy. (l to r) RWDSU Sec.-Treas. Jack Wurm, President Stuart Appelbaum, President of The Consortium for Worker Education Joseph McDermott, Recorder Amelia Tucker.

On the second day of meetings, the RWDSU Executive Board members considered how the union can most effectively respond to the new challenges facing working families in a changing global economy.
One participant in the discussion, Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney, presented compelling evidence that the U.S. economy is deteriorating as corporations continue to grow more monolithic and wealth gets shifted from the middle class to the wealthy.

Michigan State AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney

Joe McDermott, who heads the Consortium for Worker Education, pointed out that one response to the problems posed by globalization is union sponsored skills and job training.
Board members described how the RWDSU is already deeply involved in providing a variety of training opportunities including programs to help newly arrived immigrant workers learn English, computer and career advancement training.
Executive Board members also heard from United Food and Commercial Workers(UFCW) Secretary-Treasurer Marc Perrone who reported on current trends in the labor movement. Perrone stressed the importance of building the union through membership involvement and outreach.

UFCW Secretary Treasurer Marc Perrone (right) addressed the Executive Board.

The Executive Board also approved a proposed merger between Michigan
Locals 87, 383, 83, Council 30 and 1064. Completion of the merger is
contingent on its approval by the membership vote of the locals.

RWDSU Vice President Brian Sabourin was among the executive board members reporting on activities in his area.